Everyone

[Carabear]

Ok so I know I have anxiety.But now i'm experiencing a lot of numbness in my upper back and my legs.They hurt when I walk.I AM NOT SLEEPING. And its really hard to stay awake with my 2 year old during the day.I've walked a half / mile tonight and still didn't help.Taken a warm,relaxing bath.Didn't help.I have been on Lexapro for 3 nights now,and taking Clorazepate when needed.My anxiety attacks seem to be getting worse.Please someone give me some advice as to what I can do.

[RCA7591]

The obvious problem is the Lexapro. Lexapro is only beneficial for treating anxiety occurring secondary to depression.

In primary anxiety states, SSRI's such as Lexapro tend to magnify symptoms by a factor of 10. Insomnia is typical. SSRI's increase sympathetic activity. Tranxene (Clorazepate Dipotassium) decreases sympathetic activity. Tranxene is a Benzodiazepine similar to Valium, but is weaker.

Ask the doctor to discontinue the Lexapro, and increase the dosage of Tranxene (Clorazepate Dipotassium) to 30 mg daily (15 mg, b.i.d). If the maximum benefit is not obtained, the dosage may be increased to 15 mg, t.i.d.
If there is a component of panic involved, the Tranxene should be replaced with a dose equivalent of Klonopin (0.5 mg, b.i.d, or 0.5 mg, t.i.d.).

Tranxene and Klonopin are long-term options. Librium and Valium are two more. Of the four, Klonopin is the most specific towards "panic".

Tranxene is not a good "as-needed" option. For the maximum benefit to be obtained, it must be dosed at least twice daily, everyday. Tranxene is a maintanence drug. Tranxene reaches steady-state within three weeks. Once steady-state is reached and maintained, the maximum benefit will be obtained.

Ryan

[Carabear]

Ryan,Thank you for your message.I think it will help.I have slept 2 hours and my numbness is still there on my left side from my back down to my leg.I will call my DR. as soon as the office opens and see what we can change and do about my problem.The Tranxene that I have is only 7.5 mg.I'm supposed to take it 3 times daily.I guess I should start that.I'm scared of medications and hate taking them.But this feeling I have right now is the worse feeling in the world.I've only been on the Lexapro 3 nights so hopefully if I have to stop taking it , I won't have bad withdrawls.And make my problems worse!Again.. Thank you for writing me back.It helps to know that there are people out there that can talk to me and help me out better than my stupid dr can. lol

[RCA7591]

At this point, there wouldn't be an issue with discontinuing the Lexapro. However, the longer you take it, the greater the liklihood of problems, and the greater the liklihood of a "discontinuation syndrome". Therefore, I would consult with the doctor, and ask to be removed from the drug before issues arise.

7.5 mg of Tranxene three times daily is an extremely small dosage. Without the Lexapro, it may prove to be effective. If not, the doctor can increase the dosage to 15 mg three times daily, or he/she could replace it with Klonopin if it fails to benefit you. The target dose is 30 mg daily, while the average dosage ranges from 30-45 mg daily. The absolute maximum daily dosage is 60 mg, but I would recommend that you don't exceed 45 mg due to tolerance issues.

Speak with the doctor and let him/her know that Lexapro is making your symptoms worse. Take the Tranxene as prescribed (7 1/2 mg, t.i.d.). If you don't notice any benefit, you can request an increase in the dosage at that time.

Ryan

[Carabear]

Ryan, I am not sure what to do.Because I have only been on the Lexapro for 3 nights.Surely its not in my system good.My dr. said it takes at least a week to get into my system.Possibly 2.I've taken the Tranxene as prescribed today.3 times.Hopefully I will have a good night.If not,If the attacks continue tonight I will call my dr. and talk to him.

[RCA7591]

Initially, Lexapro, and most of the other drugs in the same class (SSRI's) are "overly stimulating", and that tends to exaggerate or amplify the underlying anxiety component and its symptoms. SSRI's typically take two to four weeks for the maximum benefit to be obtained. Even so, they are largely ineffective at treating acute anxiety states. They're really only effective at addressing depression, or anxiety occurring secondary to depression.

The Lexapro may or may not reduce Tranxene's efficacy. Lexapro is stimulating, and it may cancel out the anxiolytic qualities of Tranxene. Hard to say, as the responses to these drugs is highly individualized.

No doubt, the doctor would suggest trying the Lexapro for two-four weeks before reaching any conclusions. However, if you continue to feel horrible after a week or so, then you may want to request that the Lexapro be withdrawn.


Ryan

[Carabear]

Ryan, Last night I finally slept through the whole night! I woke up once feeling hot.But hey could just be horomones. lol. Went right back to sleep.And I slept about 9 hours.I feel so much better.Saturday will be 1 week i've been on the Lexapro.So Monday morning I have to call my dr. to tell him how everything is going.He only prescribed enough pills to last 2 weeks.Just as a trial med.To see how i've reacted to it.Last night was a good night.Lets pray its working and I have another good night tonight! Take care.And thank you so much for the advice you have given me.

P.S -- How do you know so much about the Lexapro??